Tummy Time for Torticollis: A Simple First Step for Your Baby's Neck
Updated: 16 hours ago
Why Tummy Time Matters So Much
If your baby has been diagnosed with torticollis (or you're just working hard to prevent it), you've probably already heard the phrase "tummy time" more times than you can count. There's a good reason for that. Tummy time is one of the simplest, most effective tools we have as pediatric therapists for both preventing torticollis and treating it once it shows up.
Torticollis happens when the muscles on one side of a baby's neck are tighter than the other, causing the head to tilt to one side and turn to the other. Because babies spend so much of their early months lying on their backs (which is important for safe sleep!), they can develop a strong preference for looking one direction. Over time, that one-sided preference can tighten the neck muscles and even flatten one side of the head. Tummy time, along with mindful positioning during awake hours, is often the very first thing we recommend, before any hands-on therapy is needed.
Making Tummy Time Work for Your Baby
We know tummy time isn't always a hit at first. Here are a few ways our VKT therapists coach families to build it into the day:
Start small and often. A few minutes, several times a day, adds up faster than one long, fussy session. Even one to two minutes right after a diaper change counts.
Get down on their level. Lying face-to-face with your baby, or placing a small mirror in front of them, gives them a reason to lift and turn their head both ways.
Vary the surface and position. Try tummy time on your chest while reclined, over a rolled towel or nursing pillow, or across your lap. Different positions activate slightly different muscles.
Switch which side faces the room. During feeding, diaper changes, and even in the crib, alternate which direction your baby has to turn to see you or a window. This gently encourages movement toward their "less favorite" side.
Limit time in containers. Car seats, swings, and bouncers are wonderful tools, but too much time in them can reinforce the same head position. Balance container time with supervised floor time.
When to Ask for Help
Positioning strategies go a long way, but it's worth having a pediatric physical therapist take a look if you notice:
A consistent head tilt to one side
A strong preference to look in only one direction
A flat spot developing on the back or side of your baby's head
Early intervention with torticollis tends to be quicker and easier the sooner it starts, often just a few months of guided stretches and positioning can make a big difference.
As always, this isn't about being perfect with tummy time or catching every possible sign right away. It's about small, consistent habits that support healthy movement, and knowing that support is available if you want a second set of eyes.
We're Here to Help
If you have questions about your baby's tummy time routine, head shape, or neck movement, our pediatric therapy team at VKT would love to help. We offer free screenings and consultations at our Brentwood and Westchester, Los Angeles clinics, no referral needed. Book your free screening at calendly.com/vidakids or give us a call at (424) 724-0944. We're happy to answer your questions, even if it's just for peace of mind.
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